Open Public Records Act (OPRA)

Obtaining Documents under OPRA

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The OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS ACT, N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, et. seq., (commonly known as OPRA), was created by the state of New Jersey to ensure easy access to certain documents that are considered matters of public record.

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office makes every effort to respond to requests in a timely fashion and will provide documents to requestors in accordance with N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, et. seq. Records will be provided within seven (7) workings days of the request unless otherwise advised. If a request cannot be met within that time period, the party requesting the information will be notified within the same seven (7) working days of when the records will be available.

Requests for documents should include a clear description of the documents that are being sought in order to facilitate the response. Only documents that are in the possession of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office will be provided. Please note that the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office does not provide certified copies of documents. Requestors are not required to explain why they are seeking documents.

The types of documents, generally, that may be available through the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office are copies of criminal arrest complaints, indictments, plea agreements, judgments of convictions, and dismissals of criminal complaints. Any portion of the requested document which is exempt from public access will be redacted before a copy of the document is provided along with an explanation.

Many documents, such as employee records, criminal histories, criminal investigatory records or the existence or status of criminal investigations are not deemed public records and cannot be provided. If a request is made for a document that is not deemed a public record under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, et. seq., the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office will cite the reason for denying the request.

For a list of documents that are not deemed public records and therefore must be withheld pursuant to the OPRA Statute please click on the following link:OPRA Exception List

Members of the public who are requesting copies of records are encouraged to complete the form which is available by clicking on the following link:Request for Public Records

OPRA does not require those seeking documents to use the form but its use is helpful in facilitating requests. The form may be sent by mail, e-mailed or taken directly to the Prosecutor’s Office.

Documents that are stored electronically can be e-mailed to requestors at no charge. However, paper documents that are not stored electronically may be photocopied at a cost of 5 cents per letter-size page and 7 cents per legal-size page, plus postage. If a fee is involved, requestors will be contacted in advance and notified of the charge.

In addition to a fee for paper copies, if your request involves an extraordinary amount of time and effort to compile the documents, OPRA allows for additional fees. Requestors will also be notified in advance of this special service charge.

Requestors also may make an appointment to inspect documents at the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. To make an appointment, please call (732) 745-3300 and ask for the OPRA Records Custodian.